Dallas: In a historic first-ever encounter in international cricket, the USA triumphed over Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. This momentous victory came in the 11th match of the T20 World Cup 2024, marking a significant achievement for the United States in their cricketing journey.
Scenes from USA’s stunning victory in Dallas 😍🇺🇸#T20WorldCup #USAvPAK pic.twitter.com/bTipZM8env
— ICC (@ICC) June 6, 2024
During the chase in the second innings, Steven Taylor and Monank Patel provided a solid start for the USA, crafting a 36-run opening partnership. Despite Naseem Shah’s breakthrough in the sixth over, Patel and Andries Gous built a crucial 68-run stand, giving the hosts an edge.
However, timely strikes from Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir disrupted the momentum. Aaron Jones and Nitish Kumar steadied the innings with a much needed partnership. With 15 runs needed off the final over, Jones’ six and Kumar’s boundary forced the match into a super over.
In the super over, the USA batted first with Jones and Harmeet Singh at the crease, while Mohammad Amir bowled for Pakistan. Jones immediately set the tone by hitting a four on the first ball, and Amir’s subsequent three extras helped the USA accumulate a total of 19 runs. Pakistan’s fielding woes continued, and they faced a daunting target.
Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed took the crease for Pakistan, while Saurabh Netravalkar, who displayed brilliance throughout his spell in the first innings, delivered the crucial over for the USA. Ahmed managed to strike a boundary on the second delivery, but his attempt for a six on the fourth ball was brilliantly caught by Milind Kumar, resulting in his dismissal. With seven runs required off the final ball, Pakistan fell short by five runs.
After opting to bowl first in the first innings, the USA quickly put Pakistan under pressure, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan for nine in the first over. Subsequent wickets of Usman Khan and Fakhar Zaman left Pakistan struggling at 26/3 after 4.4 overs.
Babar Azam and Shadab Khan managed to stabilize the innings, taking the score to 66/3 by the 10th over, but a double strike by Nosthush Kenjige disrupted their progress, leaving them at 98/5 in 12.5 overs.
Azam’s steady knock of 44 off 43 balls and contributions from Iftikhar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi helped Pakistan post a moderate total of of 159/7.
United States Playing XI: Steven Taylor, Monank Patel (Wk/C), Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan.
Pakistan Playing XI: Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (Wk), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf.
